Judges 10:1 – “After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse introduces Tola, a judge who rose after Abimelek’s troubled leadership. Tola was from the tribe of Issachar, highlighting God’s continued use of various tribes to guide Israel. Tola’s role was to “save Israel,” indicating that his judgeship was a time of deliverance, though specifics about his actions are not detailed. His leadership was marked by stability, which contrasts with the chaotic reign of Abimelek. Tola’s home in Shamir, located in Ephraim’s hill country, served as his base, symbolizing a peaceful and strategic position in Israel’s heartland.

Historical Context

The period of the Judges was a turbulent time in Israel’s history marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After Abimelek’s violent rule, which included fratricide and civil strife, Tola’s leadership represents a shift back to divine order. The mention of Tola’s lineage—son of Puah, son of Dodo—serves to legitimize his role and connect him to a family with standing. Unlike many judges who led during external threats, Tola appears to have been more of a stabilizing force within Israel itself, reflecting God’s provision of rest and leadership following times of turmoil.

Theological Implications

This verse underscores God’s faithfulness in raising leaders for Israel, even after the nation’s repeated failings. Tola’s emergence as a judge is a reminder that God provides deliverance and order even when human leaders fail spectacularly, as seen in Abimelek’s case. Tola’s quiet yet effective leadership contrasts with the violent and self-serving ways of his predecessor, highlighting God’s preference for righteousness over power grabs.

Literary Analysis

The narrative structure of Judges often emphasizes the rise and fall of leaders, and Tola’s introduction serves as a literary bridge from the chaos of Abimelek’s rule to a period of calm. The brief description of Tola—his lineage, tribe, and dwelling—presents him as a stabilizing figure. The simplicity of the verse, without dramatic exploits or battles, reflects a quiet leadership style that still accomplished God’s purpose. The focus on lineage and tribal affiliation adds to the recurring biblical theme of God working through family lines and specific communities.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Judges 2:16 – “Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders.” This highlights God’s ongoing work through judges like Tola to deliver Israel.
• 1 Samuel 12:11 – References Tola along with other judges, underscoring his role in God’s plan.
• Psalm 68:20 – “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” This verse reflects the saving nature of God that is seen in Tola’s role as a judge.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Tola’s story is a reminder that God often works through humble, less visible means to bring about His purposes. It shows that not all leadership is flashy or marked by extraordinary deeds; sometimes, God’s work is quiet, steady, and restorative. This encourages believers to value faithful service, even in roles that may seem mundane or unrecognized.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s provision of Tola as a judge reflects His love for Israel despite their continual rebellion. By raising a leader to save and stabilize, God demonstrated His patience and care for His people. It shows a loving God who does not abandon His people in times of internal conflict but sends the right person at the right time to guide them back to order.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Tola’s role as a deliverer foreshadows the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who provides not just temporary peace but eternal salvation. Like Tola, Jesus came quietly from a humble background, bringing a different kind of leadership that defies human expectations. Jesus’ role as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) resonates with the stabilizing influence Tola had during his judgeship. Christ’s work brings lasting peace and reconciliation, fulfilling what every judge could only do temporarily.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Tola’s quiet leadership challenge our modern perceptions of effective leadership?
2. In what ways does God use unlikely or humble means in our lives to bring about His purposes?
3. What does Tola’s story teach us about God’s faithfulness despite human failure?
4. How can we find comfort in God’s provision of leaders during times of instability in our own lives?